Teaching Leadership through the Arts

KPRts, an annual experience at Camp White Pine, welcomes students to three days and two nights of arts-focused activities with like-minded peers. High school student counsellors – half of whom were previous KPRts campers themselves – work with staff supervisors and practising artists to lead activities in dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of
KPRDSB Communications Department Staff

Whatever their role, all who participate in the camp are united in their praise for the leadership skills, lasting friendships and positive memories that result. Arts-focused workshops are combined with exciting outdoor camp experiences such as ropes, biking and more.

Sydney Stewart, a Grade 12 student spending her second year as camp counsellor, first came to KPRts in Grade 8. "I was really shy, I was quiet, I was terrified," she says. "It turned out to be an amazing time. I totally came out of my shell, made a lot of friends, and became the leader I am today. I came back a totally changed person."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of
KPRDSB Communications Department Staff

Her sister had the same experience, she said. "It was definitely life-changing. A lot of kids come here and find out who they really are."

Ask anyone else at the camp and you hear the same superlatives: "fantastic", "special", "wonderful", "confidence-building" and more.